Rooney aims to add to City´s woes

Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United can heap further misery on arch-rivals City with a derby victory on Sunday.

Roberto Mancini’s side were dumped out of Europe after a 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, while speculation has grown over the Italian’s future at the Etihad Stadium.

City currently trail United by three points and a win for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will put even further daylight between the two clubs at the top of the Premier League.

“City are out of the Champions League and are having a bit of a tough time – I think everyone can see that behind the scenes. If we win, we can put more pressure on them. If we get three points there, it will be massive for us.” Rooney told reporters.

“Obviously, it is a massive game, probably up there with Liverpool. The two of them.

“There is a big rivalry, the two of us are fighting for that number-one spot. We’re trying to go there and get three points. We are all excited for the game.”

Rooney believes United’s strengths are in the flanks and the striker believes delivery from wide areas could be crucial to his side’s success.

“I think our strength is getting wingers on the pitch, getting the ball out wide, attacking and getting crosses into the box,” he said.

“That’s obviously the way Manchester United have played for years, so I think that’s one of our strengths.

“Of course, they have a strong central midfield, but they also leave gaps out wide, so I’m sure Sir Alex (Ferguson) and Roberto Mancini will be looking at different things and ways they can capitalise on each team’s weakness.”

Meanwhile, Antonio Valencia could be a surprise inclusion in United’s squad.

The 27-year-old, who has not featured for United since their 1-0 defeat to Norwich City on November 17 due to a hip injury, trained on Saturday.

Tom Cleverley also trained despite after a calf injury which restricted the midfielder to playing the opening half of United’s Champions League defeat to Cluj on Wednesday.